Surf Shelf: Cool or Not?

Many of us use the gym to escape from the office, but others skip it because they can't break away from their computers.Surf Shelf ($60) is a new gadget that enables you to use cardio equipment while using your laptop. It's an interesting concept that definitely left me feeling like, "Why didn't I think of that?" I know a lot of people (i.e. my husband) who would love to be able to surf the web while burning a few calories on the stationary bike. Personally, I think I would use it to watch DVDs or TV shows because I can't even focus on reading while doing cardio, let alone playing around on my computer. What do you guys think? Is the Surf Shelf a cool fitness gadget or not?

I have this and love it. If you work at home all day at your desk, and you cannot get away, you can put away 3-4 miles in an hour. I can email,surf the net, whatever I need to do. Multitasking is a must for me and for those days I cannot get outside for a run, this at least has me doing something to get my heart rate up.

4 years

Excellent! Allows me to multitask while I ride. I cant get my online reading done at the same time.

5 years

As a realtor, I have to be in contact at all times, many of my clients prefer to just send an e-mail for quick questions. It would be much easier for me if I was forced to work while working out to be able to use a computer while doing so rather than having to stop in the middle to use my smart phone. This is a god send for people who are always on call.

5 years

I think this is great. I wouldn't use it to work, but I do play World of Warcraft, and the only time I'd ever enjoy the gym before is if I had a book or video game to distract me. Plus, I would stop after 45 minutes and be POURING sweat...when I'm distracted, my body automatically works harder for some reason. Totally getting this for my recumbent bike.
Just a reminder, not everyone enjoys repetitive exercise. Anything that will motivate people to work out is a good thing, in my opinion.

5 years

I think this is a great idea! I don't have one myself so I can't say how good this particular product is, but I can totally see myself walking 1 to 2 miles per hour while doing my work-from-home job, which usually requires clicking a few buttons over and over, and once in a while typing. I don't think I'd use it when I want to run or do a serious, sweaty workout, but walking slowly when I was going to be at the computer for work anyway, how cool is that? As long as I could get the angle right to do my work, I would love to get in a few extra miles each week as opposed to sitting on my behind.

5 years

Someone needs to come up with a way for an exercise machine to power my laptop so I would have to work out to be able to get it to come on. That would keep me exercising!

Brilliant! I only have a couple hours a day to be on my computer so if I can walk on my treadmill at the same time I think it would be awesome! People now spend all day sitting in front of their computers and we wonder why there is an obesity problem?! Maybe they should get up and move at the same time. - Darn, now I can't complain about not having the time to work out.

i don't know how i feel about this one - i think that it could be ok for using the bike or something like that but if you'ee on the treadmill or the elliptical and you're surfing the web, i can't imagine that you would get a good work out. and besides that - if you can't unplug for even 30 minutes to an hour, then why are you at the gym anyway? it's like the people who are on their cellphones at the gym - that's one of my BIGGEST pet peeves.

I see people reading books at the gym, mostly on the exercise bikes but sometimes on the weight machines! I feel sorry for them. They're barely moving, many are overweight and look so bored. I love going to the gym and sometimes just want to shake those people and tell them to snap out of it. Sorry, just made me think of this.
No, leave the computer at home. I guarantee someone is eyeing it with theft on their mind and nobody needs that kind of stress. End of rant.

I see people reading books at the gym, mostly on the exercise bikes but sometimes on the weight machines! I feel sorry for them. They're barely moving, many are overweight and look so bored. I love going to the gym and sometimes just want to shake those people and tell them to snap out of it. Sorry, just made me think of this. No, leave the computer at home. I guarantee someone is eyeing it with theft on their mind and nobody needs that kind of stress. End of rant.

I think this is a great idea! I really hate doing cardio...I feel like a hamster on a wheel. I would love to be able to put on a video or watch some cheerleading clips while on the elliptical. The gym tv's always have the news on, and that doesn't usually hold my attention for very long.